Progress on Fisher's Ford Park - OPEN

[Ouachitoff]

I had the pleasure of visiting the park this last Saturday. Very impressed with the design of the features and the park. Met some great people, saw a dog ride on a boat on the wave, got sunburned, had a blast. If you were there Saturday, I was the one getting worked repeatedly in the top hole. Gotta start somewhere. I have some video but haven't had a chance to get it off my phone and onto a computer to upload. I'll try and get it up later. Seth James was a good sport and helped collect my yard sales a few times, much appreciated.

[Dustin]

Spent about 4.5 hours playing at the WW park today in my brand new (and first) kayak. I went swimming a few times as I don't yet know how to roll. I met some other paddlers and had a blast. I am completely sore in the good way I would like to make it four or five more times in the next couple of weeks. Can't wait to hit it on a busy Saturday...

[paddledog]

As of next Saturday, 5/24/2014, the park
will have a "Soft opening". It will be taken over by
the city, and there will be a few new changes.
The trash cans will be emptied by city crews and the
porta-johns will be installed. They hope to have signs
starting to go up in the park.
This will also be the start of a city employee locking and
unlocking the gate. The gate will be locked at dark and
unlocked at sun up. The entrance to the park will move
closer to the river by about 50 feet. Look for a new
gate South of the old one.
Please be ready to go, not just coming off the river at dark.
If you have an issue with this let me know and we can look
at the protocol. Don't go off on the city employee. There
will be some growing pains.

[kayakdoc]

We had a great day last sunday at about 3.2. Are there going to be any signs regarding "swim at your own risk, wear a life jacket, etc"? On Sunday, an approx eighteen year old boy was swimming with some friends who had already gotten out. He began yelling "hey" and was clearly having trouble on the river right eddy line whirlpools below the second feature. My son, Avery, was just upstream and peeled out and rescued the guy and delivered him to the bank...where his friends were laughing. He was coughing water up on Avery's stern. I'm afraid some of the locals may not be aware of the risks of whitewater. I'd hate to see something bad happen to someone not aware of whirlpools and risk of flush drowning. What can we do or who do we need to talk to to be sure this is addressed?

[Mike_P]

I've been thinking about that as well. When I was there about three weeks ago there were two young boys neither appeared older than 10 who were swimming without lifejackets through both features. Their parents were on the bank fully dressed paying some attention which I guess is better than nothing but I felt obligated to keep an eye on the boys. Watching them go underwater on the second feature and come out several yards downstream made me a little nervous since again they had no lifejackets (or helmets).

Mike P.
Rogers

[hilbili]

This is a good idea: http://www.fox16.com/story/d/story/susa ... cf7Fs7xrLQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

might be a project for somebodys community service to gather pfdeez for the park.

[magicmike]

I was out there this afternoon. The Porta john's and trash cans are in place. Thanks again City of Siloam Springs! -M-

[CityofSiloamSprings]

Hi again, this is Holland from the City of Siloam Springs and I'm planning the Grand Opening Celebration for the Siloam Springs Whitewater Recreation Park June 28. We'd like to have a number of vendors/organizations set up booths for the event. I have a list of about 8, but am looking for more. If you know of an organization that relates to the Whitewater Park, please have them call me or email me. There is a vendor request form all potential vendors must fill out in order to be considered.
Thanks,
Holland
479-238-0927
hhayden@siloamsprings.com

[LarryT]

At the park today. Interesting mix with kayaks, rafts, swimmers, canoes, etc. especially in the lower hole. I came through and two boys jumped in front of my kayak and I had to roll over to miss them.

[paddledog]

There are going to be lots of growing pains associated with the park.
I think this is as new to the tubers as it is to us. Let's take it slow and
build a good association with all groups.
I have been unimpressed with several incidents at the park. I think Holland
from Siloam Springs is monitoring this thread and may chime in once in a while.
She has also posted her contacts, write her if you feel the need.

[CityofSiloamSprings]

Hi there kayakers and canoers,

I truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the use of the Siloam Springs Whitewater Recreation Park. I understand there are some concerns and frustrations with swimmers, tubers and the park in general. I want you to know that the City does hear you and is working to make the park work as smoothly as possible. It's just going to take time. If you have any concerns and would like to speak with me directly, please do not hesitate to contact me at 479-238-0927 or hhayden@siloamsprings.com

Holland Hayden
Communication Manager, City of Siloam Springs.

[paddledog]

All plans for the Grand Opening are cancelled.
Thanks for your efforts.
Steve